A firm specializing in marine hydrokinetics has deployed a grid-scale wave energy device at the US Navy’s test site in Hawaii. Ocean Energy USA claims that it’s world’s first electricity grid-scale wave energy device.
The 826-ton wave energy convertor buoy, the OE-35, was deployed on the windward coast of the Hawaiian Island of Oahu.
According to Ocean Energy USA, the utility-scale wave energy device measures 125 by 59 feet, has a draft of over 30 feet, and a potential rated capacity of up to 1.25 megawatts in electrical power production.
World-class OE-35 device
It is located north of Mōkapu Peninsula, at the WETS site in Kaneohe Bay, having been towed there from Honolulu on Friday, July 19.
“Following over a decade and a half of design, trials, testing and building, we are excited finally to be able to take this major step towards commercialization with our world-class OE-35 device ,” said Professor Tony Lewis , Ocean Energy’s Chief Technology Officer.
“This internationally significant project couldn’t come online at a more critical time for the US and Ireland as the World needs to accelerate the pace of decarbonization with new and innovative technologies.”
Funded by the US Department of Energy
The $12 million project is part‐funded by the US Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) under an agreement committing the US and Irish governments to collaborate on marine hydrokinetic technologies, according to PR Newswire .
The world’s largest floating wave energy device incorporates a trapped air volume, with the lower part open to the sea. Wave pressures at the submerged opening cause the water to oscillate and drive the trapped air through a turbine to generate electricity. This energy can be exported to the grid.
Robust enough to withstand the huge forces
The device is also said to be the robust enough to withstand the huge forces that waves can exert, together with the corrosive effect of saltwater on moving parts.
The only moving parts in the device sit well above the waves, making them much less prone to damage and corrosion.
The dynamic response of the device in large waves results in reduced mooring forces, thus increasing the inherent survivability.
The technology (which is known as OE Buoy) is based on an oscillating water column device. The lower part of the device is open to the sea, which traps a large volume of air inside the device. As the waves oscillate, air pressure inside the device is forced , which is used to drive a built-in turbine to generate electricity.
Furthermore, the OE35 can generate electricity not only when waves crash into it, but also when they recede, thanks to a component known as a Wells turbine, according to WEDUSEA .
Most Popular
Comments / 0